Two men have been jailed for a total of more than 13 years in connection with the stabbing of a man in Ongar.

The victim, a man in his 20s, had been approached by two men who just got out of a white Ford Fiesta at around 5pm on September 13.

After an altercation one of the man stabbed the victim in the stomach, before both men got back into the car and left the scene.

The victim was taken to hospital where he underwent surgery for three wounds.

The Fiesta was traced to an address in Loughton where police arrested 19 year-old Anthony Hamilton in the early hours of the next day (September 14).

Later that day officers stopped and arrested another man, 21 year-old Raphel Duke-Okeze, in Bradwell Road, Loughton.

On September 15, Hamilton, of Peterborough Road, London E10, was charged with GBH with intent and possession of a knife with a public place.

Duke-Okeze, of Blackmore Road, Buckhurst Hill was charged with threatening someone with a blade in a public place and attempted robbery.

They both denied the charges against them but were found guilty at Chelmsford Crown Court on Tuesday, March 27.

At the same court today (Tuesday, June 5) Hamilton was jailed for 11 years and Duke-Okeze was sentenced to two and-a-half years.

Investigation officer Detective Constable Ricky Rodd, from Loughton CID, said: “This was violent attack in broad daylight in a residential area.

“Even though the victim required surgery his injuries could have been much worse and he could have been really seriously injured.

“It is galling that Anthony Hamilton was comfortable using this level of violence and I’m glad he and Raphel Duke-Okeze are now off the streets.

“I hope this sentence will provide the victim with some solace and shows Essex Police will not tolerate violent crime.”